Tournament Procaster SS-35II

The SS-35II is the successor to the SS-35. Daiwa updated the line roller and gave the reel a fresh new look, with a full champagne gold finish and dark grey accents, giving it a technical and refined appearance typical of early 90s reels. While some appreciate these looks, others prefer the classic look of earlier models, which makes the SS-35II slightly less sought-after. The upside is that these reels are generally a bit more affordable than some other JDM Tournament models.

History

In 1988 Daiwa introduced the SS-35, a super long stroke casting reel developed for long distance casting, focusing on minimal line resistance and weight.

In the early 90s, many Daiwa mid-range and high-end spinning reels began to feature ball bearing line rollers. This small upgrade makes a noticeable difference, as it reduces line twist and protects the line from damage. The SS-35 and SS-45 were re-launched as the SS-35II and SS-45II, featuring the new line roller. Additionally, it was oversized, allowing for smoother line pickup. They also refreshed the colours, giving the reel a look that suited the style of early 90s reels.

First appearing in the 1992 catalogue, it carried the tagline: “The dream long-distance casting reel that opens up an uncharted zone.” It further mentions: “Born from a relentless pursuit of casting distance, the super-ballistic Tournament Procaster SS has undergone an even more thorough evolution as a second-generation model. It is equipped with a ball-bearing titanium line roller, allowing light lines to be used with confidence under the harsh conditions of repeated casting and retrieving. The spool features a 45 mm / 35 mm super long stroke, with the optimum spool opening angle and taper angle designed to suit different line diameters. This brings the previously unreachable ‘uncharted zone’ of long-distance casting much closer.”

The SS-35II was discontinued after 1995, and succeeded by the Z35T.

Releases

As a Procaster, the SS-35II was only released in Japan, in 1991. Just like its predecessor, the SS-35II was released in two versions for use with light or heavy lines, differing only in their spools.

The light line (PE2) version came with three 6-degree tapered shallow spools: a standard aluminium PE2 spool, an extra graphite PE2 spool, and a graphite PE3 spool. The heavy line (PE5) version included two 3-degree tapered spools: a standard aluminium PE5 spool and an additional aluminium PE5 spool. The graphite spools come both with a print and with a sticker wrap, displaying ’35’. The box also included a spool protector, a cloth bag and maintenance kit.

Model comparison

Compared to other 3000–5000-35 models, the SS-35II stands out visually with its champagne gold body and rotor. The bail kicker has no roller, and is dark grey with silver lettering. The screw-in handle is black and features a soft touch handle knob, just like the SS-35.

Technically, when used for carp fishing, it sits in the upper-middle of the 3000–5000–35 series. Compared to the 3000–5000 models, the main differences are the screw-in handle and the lack of a drag system. Like other Procaster 35 and GS models, the SS-35II also lacks ball bearings on the worm shaft, although for the Procasters this was likely done to keep them as light as possible. The only technical difference to the SS-35 is a ball bearing in the line roller. The SS-35II features a drive gear with a durable black almite finish.

Collectabillity

Compared to some other 3000–5000-35 models, the SS-35II is a slightly less sought-after reel. However, it is still a well regarded cult reel, and prices remain quite high for sets in good condition. As Procaster models, these reels were originally for the Japanese market only, making them rarer than export models. Keep in mind that these reels need to be converted when used for carp fishing. However, most models offered for sale in Europe have already been converted.

Specifications

All models in this group are very similar in terms of technical design. Click the button ‘3000-5000-35 series’ for general technical information, or further info on certain subjects below.

General specifications

Model: Tournament Procaster SS-35II
Country of manufacture: Japan
Production period: 1991 till 1995
Catalogue weight:
– Light line version: 460 g
– Heavy line version: 485 g

Body & rotor

Body material: Whisker Carbon
Rotor material: Magnesium alloy
Balanced rotor: No

Internal mechanics

Drive type: Threaded drive
Gear material: Super duralumin
Gear ratio: 4.1 : 1
Osc. type: Worm gear oscillation
Main shaft: Titanium alloy, Ø6 mm
Anti-reverse: Ratchet, inside body
Ball bearings: 4 (Koyo)
– Pinion gear: 1 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Drive gear: 2 BB (10x20x5 mm)
– Line roller: 1 BB (5x8x2,5 mm)

Spool & bail system

Spool design: Skirtless spool
Stroke: 35 mm
Spool type: Long cast
Spool material: Aluminium, graphite
Spool lip: Aluminium, graphite
Line capacity (mm/m):
Light line version (PE2):
– Aluminium: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.205-250, 0.235-200
– Graphite: 0.235-300, 0.285-200
Heavy line version (PE5):
– Aluminium: 0.33-250, 0.37-200, 0.40-150
– Aluminium: 0.33-250, 0.37-200, 0.40-150
Retrieve speed: 84 cm/turn
Bail type: Two-piece
Line roller: U-type TiN (with ball bearing)

Drag system

Drag type: No drag
Drag washers: N/A
Clicker sound: N/A

Handle assembly

Handle type: Screw-in
Handle shaft: Threaded
Handle length: 85 mm
Handle knob: Soft touch
Ambidextrous: Yes

Schematics

See the schematic below. While the exploded views are original Daiwa drawings, the parts list has been added separately. Some original part numbers may have been replaced with newer compatible part numbers.

Other 3000-5000-35 models: